Wind River Range — Local services in Dubois

As a 13 year old I was taken along with my 15 year old brother to an American Alpine Club retreat and exploration camp for three weeks near Island Lake near the Titcomb lakes. My father and about 20 other alpinist members were provided the services of a couple who cooked for us. We all camped on a short peninsula and us sons who had been included had the time of our lives! We caught huge trout for the cooks to serve us at supper. I remember being told stories by some quite illustrious climbers who were there while sitting around the camp after eating superb meals! We also joined them on several first ascents of previously unknown and unmapped peaks. My favorite went by the number F3. I still have a picture I had taken of the near vertical face of F3 from a trail across the valley when I took two of my own children there in 1970. I believe it has a real name by now. At 13, I was really impressed that we had made a first ascent and it required roping up and belaying each other on the...

Unlimited access to adventure and beauty like you’ve never seen. Some say the “winds” are better than Glacier National Park and even than the Alps. In our first day of hiking, we walked by 37 lakes! This range is unique in many ways, both geologic and scenic. Because of its size and variety, be sure to bring a variety of clothing. Some hikers have equipment packed in on mules and walk in with day packs without warm enough options… Also research the different sections of the Winds because some have more bears, and different types of bears...

I lived in Lander in 1988 and took every chance I could get to be up in the mountains. Not for the unprepared! You could end up a corpsicle really quick if you don't have proper gear and know what you're doing. Don't be a hero or you'll likely be a dead hero! If your prepared, the mountain views are stunning. And you won't breathe cleaner (thin) air . . . unless, of course,...